From the Guidelines
The treatment for skin erosion and pus discharge during hair growth typically involves addressing the underlying infection, such as furuncles or carbuncles, with incision and drainage, and in some cases, systemic antimicrobials may be necessary if there is evidence of systemic infection. When considering the management of skin erosion and pus discharge during hair growth, it's crucial to differentiate between conditions like folliculitis, furuncles, and carbuncles. According to the practice guidelines for the diagnosis and management of skin and soft tissue infections updated by the Infectious Diseases Society of America in 2014 1, furuncles and carbuncles are infections of the hair follicle, usually caused by S. aureus, which may require incision and drainage. Key considerations in the treatment approach include:
- Gently cleansing the affected area to prevent the spread of infection
- Applying warm compresses to facilitate drainage and reduce inflammation
- Avoiding actions that could exacerbate the condition, such as tight clothing, shaving the affected area, or picking at lesions
- Using mild moisturizers to prevent skin dryness For severe cases or when systemic infection is suspected, systemic antimicrobials may be prescribed, but this should be guided by clinical judgment and evidence of systemic infection. It's also important to note that while topical corticosteroids may be used in certain dermatological conditions, their use in the context of skin erosion and pus discharge during hair growth, particularly when caused by infections like furuncles or carbuncles, is not the primary treatment approach, as highlighted by guidelines and studies such as those from the British Association of Dermatologists 1. Given the potential for folliculitis as a side effect of potent topical steroids, as noted in the British Journal of Dermatology 1, and the primary goal of treating the underlying infection, the focus should remain on addressing the infection directly through appropriate antimicrobial therapy and drainage when necessary.
From the FDA Drug Label
A small amount of mupirocin ointment should be applied to the affected area three times daily. The treatment for skin erosion and pus discharge during hair growth may involve applying mupirocin ointment to the affected area three times daily 2.
- Apply a small amount of ointment to the affected area
- The area treated may be covered with a gauze dressing if desired
- Patients not showing a clinical response within 3 to 5 days should be re-evaluated
From the Research
Treatment for Skin Erosion and Pus Discharge during Hair Growth
- The treatment for skin erosion and pus discharge during hair growth can involve the use of topical antibiotics, such as mupirocin and fusidic acid, which have been shown to be effective in treating bacterial skin infections 3, 4, 5.
- For cases of erosive pustular dermatosis of the scalp, which can cause skin erosion and pus discharge, treatments such as topical tacrolimus, photodynamic therapy, and topical dapsone have been found to be effective 6.
- In addition to these treatments, other options such as silicone gels, calcipotriol, acitretin, and isotretinoin may also be considered for the treatment of skin erosion and pus discharge during hair growth 6.
- It is also important to note that the use of topical phytoactive formulations, such as GASHEE, may be beneficial in promoting hair growth and reducing the risk of skin erosion and pus discharge 7.
- The choice of treatment will depend on the underlying cause of the skin erosion and pus discharge, as well as the individual patient's needs and medical history.
- Topical administration of mupirocin ointment and fusidic acid cream have been found to be effective and safe in treating bacterial skin diseases, with similar incidence rates of adverse reactions 5.
- The therapeutic effects of fusidic acid cream on bacterial skin diseases were found to be superior to those of mupirocin ointment 5.